On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an arrest detainer for an Egyptian national accused of a heinous crime in Tennessee. The man, identified as Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad, allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl while she was asleep in her bed on New Year’s Eve, as reported by WSMV-TV.
The incident reportedly occurred in Nashville, where Awad, 31, is said to have broken into an apartment and assaulted the teenage girl. She was sleeping alongside her young nephew when, according to reports, she awoke to find Awad in her bed with a handgun in his waistband.
The girl managed to escape the terrifying situation by promising Awad she would keep the incident a secret if he left. She quickly took her nephew to safety, authorities stated.
Authorities, including ICE, have highlighted Awad’s previous record of violent behavior since his arrival in the United States in 2017. He entered the country through the Diversity Visa program, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This disturbing case has drawn attention to immigration and law enforcement issues, with the Metro Nashville Police Department and ICE working together to ensure justice is served.
According to DHS, Awad has a history of violence since entering the U.S. in 2017 through the Diversity Visa program.
He was previously charged with domestic violence, intimidation, possession of a weapon, violation of a court order and vehicle theft, the agency said.
“Horrendous immigration policies allowed this monster into our country and made victims of children and families,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “This child rapist was allowed into our country by the Diversity Lottery program. Secretary Noem paused the diversity lottery to ensure no more Americans are harmed by this disastrous program.”
Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodging an arrest detainer, according to federal authorities. (Metro Nashville Police Department )
McLaughlin added that ICE’s arrest detainer would “ensure he is not released onto our streets to victimize more children.”
According to DHS, the victim called her sister, who then contacted authorities after Awad left the residence.
Awad was later apprehended by police in Louisville, Kentucky, on Jan. 16, and was extradited to Tennessee the following week.
ICE filed an arrest detainer for Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad following allegations he sexually assaulted a sleeping teenage girl in Nashville, authorities said. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
He was charged with aggravated rape with a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated burglary, DHS said.
